Monday, December 10, 2007

"There are often those who fancy themselves great by virtually knocking their partners downflat on the mat.
Their concept of hard training is utterly wrong. The essence of real training lies in the throwing process.
When let loose mercilessly, Aikido techniques do not allow Ukemi. It therefore behoovesyou to throw your partner
in such a manner that he can respond with Ukemi without fear of injury.
The purpose of Aikido training is to build up strength, not to inflict injury".
- Saito Morihiro , Traditional Aikido, Vol. 5

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Zanshin means "the remaining mind" and also "the mind with no remainder". This is the mind of complete action. It is the moment in kyudo after releasing the arrow. This is "Om makurasai sowaka" in oryoki practice and drinking the rinse water. In shodo, it is finishing the brush stroke and the hand and brush moving smoothly off the paper. In taking a step, it is the weight rolling smoothly and the next step arising. In breathing in completely, it is this breath. In breathing out completely, it is this breath. In life, it is this life. Zanshin means complete follow through, leaving no trace. It means each thing, completely, as it is.

Friday, November 09, 2007

Slide around to the side of your partner and
control his joints as if folding them up. Then
twist your hips, feigning a blow to his face with
your right (left) hand, and throw him down. This
is a KOKYU-HO turning throw technique.

Saturday, August 11, 2007

Picture this:
You and the uke stand facing each other. Both of you hold a shinken,
a proper razor sharp steel sword in front of you, tips barely touching.
The uke, raises his sword, steps forward an cuts strongly with the
intent of slicing you in two, head to stomach. You step to the right while
raising the sword above the head and cutting down to slice through the
uke's hands, stopping just short of that.
This is migi awase, we use bokken and not live steel, but the feeling
should be the same.

The ability to perform smoothly and in sync with the attack, is
the core harmony of Aikido.